JUST THE FACTS: Valese earned her first district title earlier this year when she captured the District 3 epee title. A key component in Livingston’s ascendancy to a top tier program over the last two years, Valese has had a strong season including an undefeated day on the A strip at the Santelli tournament in January.

TEAM GOALS: "We definitely started the season wanting to continue our success from last year. We have improved so much over the last few years we want to go as far as possible together as a team."

ON STARTING FENCING IN HIGH SCHOOL: "Most fencers start before high school and have a lot of experience, I feel it definitely is something that I think about and it comes up, but for how long I have been fencing I think I am doing pretty well."

PERSONAL GOALS: "I would like to improve and get better every year. This year I would like to do well at squads and individuals."

GETTING STARTED: "In eighth grade I was talking to my friend Jeanette Ng (foil fencer for Livingston) and I kinda just decided to do it. I picked up the sport really quickly and enjoyed it."

FAVORITE THING ABOUT FENCING: "There is definitely a difference between high school and national fencing that I like. It allows fencing to be both an individual and team experience."

STRENGTHS: "I would like to think my attack is pretty fast.”

WEAKNESS: "While I am fencing I tend to get anxious a lot, so I need to slow things down and not to rush."

IF I WASN'T FENCING: "Honestly I have no idea. Probably soccer."

BEST THING YOU HAVE TAKEN FROM FENCING: "It teaches you that you have to put a lot of effort into what you want to accomplish your goals."

FAVORITE FOOD: "Peanut butter and jelly has been my favorite since I was a kid."